We are pleased that you are interested in the Registered Nursing Program at Desert Community College District. The program is approved by the California State Board of Nursing and is nationally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
The information below contains the questions (and hopefully the answers) that prospective students most frequently ask. We expect that you will take advantage of the information provided on these pages before calling with questions. If you still have questions after reading through the materials below please feel free to contact either the COD General Counseling Office at (760) 773-2520 or the Health Sciences/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2579. You can also attend one of the information sessions scheduled during the semester.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
The Application Periods for the RN Program are in the months of March and August. The four prerequisite courses must be completed and grades reported on your official transcripts before applying. Review the RN information links below for further details and instructions. Currently there is no weekend or evening program.
Applicants are advised to not submit official transcripts to this division unless you are submitting an application packet. When submitting transcripts with an application, make sure that ALL colleges attended other than COD are included. Missing transcripts will result in non-acceptance to the program, and if discovered after program entry could potentially delay or jeopardize your graduation. Official transcripts received separate from an application packet will not be retained by the division (they will be shredded). Please call if you have questions regarding this requirement.
For LVN Transition to RN program or 30-Unit Option information, please see the Advanced Placement page noted in the column (above left).
EMAIL ADDRESSES:
All students attending COD will obtain a COD email address upon registering. We strongly advise activating this as soon as possible since this address will be used for all official notifications. Once activated, there is also an option to have emails automatically forwarded to another email address for your convenience.
RN PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS:
- See information at bottom of webpage.
- If you have further questions about entering the College of the Desert and the Registered Nursing Program, please contact the college Counseling Office @ 760-773-2520
CURRENT ITEMS OF INTEREST:
There is NOT a typo in the schedule of classes: In Nursing 2, section 3263 with J. Walker, the 06:45a-01:00p time at DRMCHOSP is CORRECT. We apologize for any confusion.
Nursing Study Lounge: Room N1, the study lounge, is now available for scheduling on Blackboard. If you have any questions, please contact the Skills Lab Coordinator, Betty Baluski.
Want to know how COD Nursing students compare to other programs? Check this link for pass rates of the California NCLEX exam: http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/passrates.shtml
Registration Change Notice
Due to the increasing registration issues we have experienced over the past three years the following policy change will be in effect beginning Fall 2011:
All clinical sections for the RN programs will be assigned.
Remember - being on probation, owing money, or not being a student last semester are some examples of what could prevent you from registering. Contact Counseling or Admissions if you need to check on outstanding issues that could be a barrier to getting the class you need.
ON-BOARDING:
Packet information and required forms for medical /security clearance at each facility can now be found under the Facilities Links page listed in the upper left column of this page. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semester students will need to contact facilities for their clinical section and provide necessary documentation a minimum of two weeks before the first clinical meeting. 1st semester students have until the end of the third week of the new semester.
Current Cost of Background Check: $32.00 (price subject to change). Cost of health, drug, and immunization screenings may vary.
All nursing and allied health students participating in an acute care rotation will be medically screened, prior to the first day of clinical by the Employee Health Department of the assigned facility. Screening may include a physical examination, TB testing, blood tests which show definitive immunity to communicable disease, and will include drug and alcohol screening. Students who do not clear the screening will be dropped from the program.
Current Semester Student ID Card Payment/Pickup Information:
- Student ID Cards will be available at the ASCOD office at the beginning of each semester. Please note the ASCOD office staff will be strictly adhering to this schedule. Please contact the School of HS/ECE/PE/Athletics office if you have questions.
Please check Blackboard and your instructor's web page for ongoing information and updates concerning class supplements, handouts, and announcements.
REACCEPTANCE ('CONTINUATION/REENTRY') INFORMATION:
Click on this link to view the most current guidelines/directions for submitting a request form for reacceptance (aka 'continuation'/'reentry') to the RN program. 
Reacceptance Guidelines
The form letter for reacceptance (aka 'continuation'/'reentry') in the RN Program is available during the last 3-4 weeks of each semester. Reacceptance requests will be accepted in the Fall semester beginning the Monday following Thanksgiving. For the Spring, beginning the Monday following Spring Break. See current form for current submission deadlines.
Reacceptance Request USE ONLY THE CURRENT FORM. If PDF link is not active please continue to monitor this webpage. Forms are only available as noted above.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Group information sessions are offered periodically throughout the year which provide an overview of the RN program and a 'question and answer' time. Session availability is contingent upon nursing advisor availability.
Come and Find Out....
- What prerequisite courses are needed
- How to apply
- Program particulars
- Job particulars
- Bring your questions!
